OAKTON warrants this instrument to be free from significant deviations in material
and workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase. If repair or
adjustment is necessary and has not been the result of abuse or misuse within
the warrantied time period, please return—freight prepaid—and correction will
be made without charge. OAKTON alone will determine if the product problem
is due to deviations or customer misuse.
Out-of-warranty products will be repaired on a charge basis.
11. Return of items
Authorization must be obtained from our Customer Service Department before
returning items for any reason. When applying for authorization, please include
data regarding the reason the items are to be returned. For your protection, items
must be carefully packed to prevent damage in shipment and insured against possible damage or loss. We will not be responsible for damage resulting from careless or
insufficient packing. Arestocking charge will be made on all unauthorized returns.
NOTE: We reserve the right to make improvements in design, construction, and
Thank you for selecting an OAKTON thermohygrometer. These precision instruments are useful for monitoring temperature and relative humidity conditions over
time. They create a permanent chart recording of these measurements for your
records. Their quartz-controlled drive maintains an even drum speed even when
batteries are weak (or when the spring winding runs down).
Typical applications include general weather measurements, agriculture,
horticulture, monitoring the condition of test laboratories, humidity chambers,
computer rooms, precision machinery rooms, food storage facilities, warehouses,
museums, bank vaults, film and book storage facilities.
These models require one AAbattery. The battery
compartment is located on top of the cylinder
drum. To open the battery compartment, slide the
cover of the battery compartment to the side. Make
sure that the + end of the battery is facing up.
Spring wound, 2 speed model (37250-10):
This model is spring wound (requires no batteries).
The spring winding shaft is located on top of the
cylinder drum. To wind up the unit, turn the shaft
counterclockwise until it is too stiff to move
any further. This hygrothermograph will make a
“clicking” sound while running. The drum will
maintain an even rotation speed even when the
spring is winding down.
Long cycle model (37250-20):
This model requires one C battery. The battery
compartment is located on top of the cylinder
drum. To open the battery compartment, flip
open the lid on top of the cylinder drum. Note
polarity inside the battery compartment.
This model features a battery indicator. To check
the battery, press the red check button next to the
battery compartment. The power indicator has
green, white and red zones.
• the green zone means the battery is in
good condition.
• The white zone means the battery is low
and will have to be replaced soon.
• The red zone means the battery is very
low and should be replaced immediately.
Close-up of battery indicator
BATTERY
3 speed model (37250-00):
This model requires two C batteries. The battery
compartment is located on top of the cylinder
drum. To open the battery compartment, pull the
silver knob on top of the battery compartment
away from the center of the cylinder drum. Note
polarity on the lid of the battery compartment.
This model features a battery indicator. To check
the battery, press the red check button next to the
battery compartment. Note the color of the LED
indicator:
• A green LED means the batteries are in
good condition.
1. Pull the pen lift lever towards you to move the
temperature and humidity pens to their resting
position.
See figure
A
2. Remove the pen caps by rotating them counter
clockwise.
3. Push the pen lift lever away from you until the
temperature and humidity pens are touching the
paper on the cylinder drum.
NOTE: Do not touch the pen tips, because skin oils
will prevent the ink from flowing smoothly.
To replace the pens:
The pen tips can be used for up to a year, but we
recommend that you replace them at least every six
months. Conditions such as high temperature or low
humidity may shorten pen life to three months.
See the “Accessories” section on page 26 to order
extra pens.
1. Hold the pen arm in your right hand and pull
the pen cartridge off with your left hand. If it is
difficult to pull off, use a small pliers.
See figure
2. To attach the replacement cartridge pen, insert it
B
over the arm until it is fully attached.
4.3
Setting the time
Models 08369-50,
08369-50, 37250-10, 37250-00:
1. Pull the pen lift lever towards you to
move the temperature and humidity
pens to their resting position.
See figure
A
2. Turn the cylinder drum one full
rotation clockwise.
See figure
B
3. Turn the cylinder drum counterclock-
wise until the pen tips align with the
correct time of day or night. Numbers
indicating time are located at the top
and bottom of the chart paper.
A
NOTE: Make sure that the numbers on
the graph are right side up. Change the
chart paper when the cylinder has completed one rotation.
A
B
Long cycle model (37250-20) only:
1. Pull the pen lift lever slightly towards
you to move the temperature and
B
humidity pens away from the chart.
See figure
C
2. Turn the chart assembly knob
(located on top of the chart assembly)
clockwise.
See figure
D
3. Stop when the time printed on the
chart paper and pen tips line up about
two hours past the present time.
4. Turn the cylinder counterclockwise to
the correct present time.
5. To take up slack in the chart paper,
turn the chart paper roll counterclockwise until the paper is taut. Be sure not
to offset the alignment of present time
and pen tips.
NOTE: See pages 13-17 for directions on
changing the chart paper on long-cycle
model 37250-20.
Your cylinder drum comes with one sheet
of chart paper already attached. See the
“Accessories” section on page 26 to order
extra chart paper.
To replace chart paper
for models 08369-50,
08369-50, 37250-10, 37250-00:
1. Wind the new chart onto the cylinder so
that the two ends of the paper overlap.
See figure
2. Secure this overlapping section with the
See figure
3. Make sure the markings on the paper
4. Follow directions on bottom of page 11
A
paper holder.
B
coincide where the overlap occurs.
to set the correct time.
To replace chart paper for long-cycle model 37250-20:
The long-cycle hygrothermograph comes with one roll of paper installed. As the
unit records, paper moves from the Chart Roll to the Take-Up Roll. When the paper is
completely used, you need to replace the chart paper.
NOTE: do not discard cardboard tube from the original chart paper roll. You will
need this cardboard tube for use on the Take-Up Roll.
For best results, we recommend you use our chart paper. See the “Accessories”
section on page 26 to order extra chart paper rolls.
When the chart paper is nearing the end of its cycle, a red stripe will appear on the
lower edge of the chart paper. The stripe means there are only three days left, and
that the paper should be changed by that time.
A
To change the chart paper:
1. Remove the protective cover. Pull the
pen lift lever towards you so the pen
tips do not touch the paper. Write the
time and date on the chart paper.
A
2. Wind the old chart paper onto the
Take-Up Roll by turning the Timing
Roll knob clockwise (in the direction
of the arrow).
See figure
A
3. Release the right and left chart
assembly locks located on the base
of the instrument near the chart
drive mechanism.
B
See figure
B
B
Timing roll knob
Chart assembly locks
4. Pull the chart assembly back using
the handle located behind the chart
assembly. To prevent the unit from
tipping over, hold the base of the
instrument with your other hand.
Use the handle to keep the chart
assembly in a horizontal position.
from the Chart Roll (see sticker on
top of chart assembly for position).
See figure
• Push the Chart Roll towards the top
• Pull the Chart Roll out from the
• Remove the upper plastic disk of
• Remove the cardboard tube from the
See figure
D
of the chart assembly, which removes
it from the groove at the base of the
assembly.
bottom.
the Chart Roll by turning it
counter-clockwise.
metal spindle (spindle is inside the
cardboard tube). Save this cardboard
tube for step 7.
E
6. Remove the Take-Up Roll with
the old chart paper from the chart
assembly (see sticker on top of
chart assembly for position).
See figure
• Push the Take-Up Roll toward the
• Pull the Take-Up Roll out from the
• Remove the upper plastic disk of
• Remove the used chart paper,
See figure
F
top of the chart assembly, which
removes it from the groove at the
base of the assembly.
bottom.
the Take-Up Roll by turning it
counter-clockwise.
complete with inner cardboard tube,
from the metal spindle(spindle is
inside the cardboard tube).
E
D
E
F
Chart roll
cardboard
tube
Take-up roll
upper disk
lower disk
slot
stopper
7. Replace the Take-Up Roll with the
empty cardboard tube into the
chart assembly.
• Place the empty cardboard tube
(from step 5) back over the metal
spindle of the Take-Up Roll. Make sure
that the slot on the Take-Up Roll fits
into the ridge on the lower disk.
• Replace the upper plastic disk of the
Take-Up Roll by turning it clockwise.
See figure
• Place the pointed spindle tip
See figure
E
(protruding through the upper disk)
into the receptacle at the left (on the
upper part of the assembly). Push to
the left, and reinsert the right end of
the take-up cylinder into the bottom
groove. You may have to turn the
cylinder slightly until it slides into
the groove.
G
8. Install the new chart paper on the
Chart Roll.
• Load the new chart paper onto the
Chart Roll, making sure that the slot
on the chart paper roll fits into the
ridge on the lower disk.
• Make sure that the chart paper is
loaded correctly. The side of the
paper with the oval-shaped sprocket
holes should be at the upper disk
(top), while the side with the round
sprocket holes should be at the lower
disk (bottom).
• Place the pointed spindle tip (protruding through the upper disk) into
the receptacle at the left (on the
upper part of the assembly). Push to
the left, and reinsert the right end of
the starting roll into the groove (on
the lower part of the assembly). Make
sure that the roll is securely installed
and can pivot easily.
See figure
• Make sure paper is positioned so
See figure
H
it will run in a counterclockwise
direction around the Chart Roll.
I
10. Pull out the chart paper about 6
inches. Draw the paper around the
Timing Roll. Make sure the sprocket holes in the paper are placed
correctly over the sprockets on the
Timing Roll.
See figure
J
11. Tape the end of the chart paper to
the Take-Up Roll. Remove any other
paper that might still be attached
to the Take-Up Roll. Be sure the
paper is straight and even so that it
tracks properly.
See figure
K
12. Advance the chart with the timing
Chart roll
knob.
13. Return the chart assembly upright
to its original position.
See figure
L
14. Tighten the right and left assembly
locks to hold chart assembly in
place.
H
See figure
M
L
15. To set time, see bottom of page 11.
16. Make sure to check that pen car-
tridges and batteries are still fresh.
I
J
Take-up roll
Timing roll
Notes
Be sure to check at least once a month
to guarantee accuracy, since the instrument operates over a long period of
time (30 or 90 days).
Also make sure to periodically check
that the pens are operating correctly.
Vibrations could loosen the chart paper
in about 60 days. The paper should be
tightened for accurate time readings.
NOTE: Minidrum models 08369-50 and 08369-70 operate on a 7 day rotation only.
Long cycle model 37250-20 accepts either 1 month or 3 month chart rolls—it is not
necessary to adjust drum speed.
Spring wound, two speed hygrothermograph 37250-10
This model lets you select between a
1 and 7 day drum rotation. When you
receive your hygrothermograph from the
factory, it is set for a 7 day rotation.
IMPORTANT: make sure you have the
appropriate chart paper for the rotation
speed you select. See page 26 to order
more chart paper.
1. Look at the bottom of the cylinder
drum. You will see notches for two
gears. Only one gear will be in place.
See figure
A
2. The alternate gear is located on a post
at the corner of the thermohygrometer’s base. Remove it from the post.
See figure
B
3. Using two screwdrivers, lift the gear
currently installed on the bottom of
the cylinder drum.
See figure
C
4. Insert the other gear onto the oppo-
site shaft on the bottom of the drum.
• The one-day gear slides on the shaft
marked “24 H / Z = 22”. This gear has
22 teeth and a larger diameter than the
7-day gear.
• The seven day gear slides onto the
shaft marked 168H / Z = 18. This gear
has 18 teeth.
5. Place the gear not in use over the
post at the corner of the thermohygrometer’s base for storage.
6. Install the cylinder drum onto
the cylinder shaft. See page 7 for
directions.
A
B
C
Three speed hygrothermograph 37250-00
This model lets you select between a
1, 7, and 32 day drum rotation. When
you receive your hygrothermograph
from the factory, it is set for a 7 day
rotation.
See figure
IMPORTANT: make sure you have the
appropriate chart paper for the rotation
speed you select. See page 26 to order
more chart paper.
1. To switch from 7 day operation to
See figure
2. To switch from 7 day operation to
See figure
D
1 day operation, flip the switch on
top of the cylinder drum to 1D.
E
32 day operation, flip the switch on
top of the cylinder drum to 32D.
NOTE: The axial fan is not for use with minidrum models 08369-50 and 08369-70.
The external draft fan (optional) attaches to the protective cover. It improves instrument response and accuracy by directly pulling surrounding air into the instrument.
Use the fan in areas where ventilation is poor.
If you want to order an axial fan, see the “Accessories” section on page 26.
To attach the fan:
1.
Install the fan on the single
column of five vents located on
the protective cover.
See figure
2. Position fan so that the spring clips
See figure
3. Let the fan slide down until it stops.
See figure
4. Position the instrument so the
5. Plug the power cord into an 110 to
A
on the fan go into the upper vent
slots on the hygrothermograph
cover.
B
Make sure both spring clips are fully
engaged in the cover.
C
flow of air from the fan will not
be blocked.
120 volt, 50/60 Hz outlet. For 220 V
operation, order optional 220 V
transformer (sold separately in
“Accessories” section on page 26).
A
B
6. Precautions
1. Do not use your hygrothermograph:
• in direct sunlight
• in temperatures below –20°C or above 50°C
• near ovens, stoves, or other heating equipment
• near harsh chemicals such as paint thinner or ammonia
• in dusty or wet environments
• within magnetic fields
• in areas with strong vibrations, such as loudspeakers or motors
2. For best results, use only the pens and chart paper listed under the “Accessories”
section of this manual (page 26). We cannot guarantee results with other pens
and other paper.
3. Do not repair the instrument yourself. Should repairs be necessary, please return
the instrument to place of purchase. See the back cover of this manual for information on instrument Warranty and Return of Items.
4. If your instrument will not be used for long periods of time, make sure to replace
9. Appendix 1: Readings in areas with high humidity
Additional Hygrothermographs
WD-08369-70 Minidrum hygrothermograph
WD-08369-70 Domed minidrum hygrothermograph
WD-37250-10 Spring wound, two speed hygrothermograph
WD-37250-00 Three speed hygrothermograph
WD-37250-20 Long cycle hygrothermograph
Extra Chart Paper
ModelUse with TemperatureRotation IncrementsQuantity/
numbermodel typerangepack
WD-08369-60Mini-drum22 to 104°F7-day2-hour100
WD-08369-55Mini-drum–6 to 40°C7-day2-hour100
WD-08368-102- or 3-speed14 to 122°F1-day15-minute100
WD-08368-202- or 3-speed14 to 122°F7-day2-hour100
WD-08368-302- or 3-speed–10 to 50°C1-day15-minute100
WD-08368-402- or 3-speed–10 to 50°C7-day2-hour100
WD-08368-223-speed14 to 122°F32-day6-hour25
WD-08368-423-speed–10 to 50°C32-day6-hour25
WD-37250-60Long cycle–20 to 50°C1-month2-hour1 roll
WD-37250-62Long cycle–20 to 50°C3-month2-hour1 roll
Extra Pens
For use with all OAKTON hygrothermographs.
WD-08368-75 Blue pens, 6/pack
WD-08368-70 Red pens, 6/pack
The specially processed human hair bundle, such as the one used in this instrument,
is the best sensor for ambient humidity measurements in terms of linearity,
repeatability, and temperature compensation. Human hair will elongate linearly as
humidity increases or decreases in the range of 5 to 90% RH.
However, one of the characteristics of human hair is that exposure to humidity
levels above 90%RH causes it to undergo a change of state. This condition is called
the “saturated state”, and occurs with even short exposure to high humidity levels.
When the hair bundle reaches the saturated state, it contracts and causes a 7 to 9%
downward shift in the humidity indications. If the humidity then stays below 80%,
the hair bundle will elongate linearly for approximately two weeks. After this time
period, the hair bundle is in its dry state.
The hair bundle has two curves, depending on the state of the hair bundle. These
characteristics can be taken into account when using the instrument. The instrument
is calibrated at the factory with the hair bundle in the dry state. Generally, the
instrument is used indoors with humidity levels below 90%.
When used in air conditioned areas or other areas of moderate humidity, you do not
need to adjust the instrument.
How to use the instrument in high humidity areas:
For use above 85% RH, turn the humidity fine adjustment screw counterclockwise
to raise the humidity reading by 7 to 9%. Readings will be within specifications over
the entire range when the instrument is exposed to high humidity conditions (85 to
100%) at least once every two weeks.
Note any calibration change either on the chart paper or on the instrument itself.
This way you can change the instrument back to its original calibration if required.
Axial Fan
WD-37250-50 Optional axial fan. Use with 2-speed, 3-speed and long cycle models
for more uniform sample measurements in fluctuating environments. 110 VAC
WD-01578-02 Transformer. Use to operate axial fan at 220 VAC, 100 W